TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Senate has approved a bill promoting student-initiated prayer and other “inspirational messages” at public school assemblies. The bill was passed 31-8 on Wednesday with some Democrats joining Republicans to support the measure. Sen. Gary Siplin sponsored the bill. The Orlando Democrat says it keeps students and not administrators in charge […]

RICHMOND, Va. ( AP) — Private, faith-based adoption agencies would be allowed to deny placement of a child if doing so would violate their religious beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality, under legislation advanced by a Virginia House panel. The Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee voted 14- 5 Tuesday to send Del. Todd Gilbert’s “conscience clause” […]

PIERRE, S. D. ( AP) — A measure encouraging South Dakota schools to provide academic instruction on the Bible has won final approval from the state Legislature amid criticism from some lawmakers that it could blur the line between government and religion. The Senate voted 25-10 on Monday to pass the non-binding resolution, which has […]

HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP) — Prosecutors say a New Jersey man admitted firebombing two New Jersey synagogues, telling investigators he kept throwing incendiary devices even after he heard screams. But Anthony Graziano’s attorney says his client has psychological and emotional problems and the admission shouldn’t be taken seriously. The Record newspaper reports that Graziano pleaded not […]

WISCASSET — A licensed viewing of the new film, “ Courageous.” will be offered Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Wiscasset Church of the Nazarene. Admission is free. The church is located at 255 Gardiner Road.

BRUNSWICK — Scout Troop 648 will be hosting another of its spaghetti suppers on Feb. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen St. The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for ages 12 and younger, free for ages 5 and younger and $20 for families. The meal includes large […]

FREEPORT — South Freeport Church will offer a haddock chowder luncheon on Feb. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The luncheon is buffet style and includes creamy haddock chowder, coleslaw, corn muffins, cake and a beverage. The cost is $ 8, which includes seconds. Pints of chowder are also available for take-out at $6. […]

FREEPORT — First Parish Church, 40 Main St., is sponsoring a public supper at 5 p.m. on Feb. 11. The menu will include three kinds of beans, chop suey, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, rolls and desserts. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call 865-6022.

PHIPPSBURG — Singer and folklorist Jeff Warner will be accompanied by singer Barbara Benn as he performs songs from the 19th century during a concert at Phippsburg Congregational Church. The concert will be Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. “ The concert draws on musical traditions from the Outer Banks fishing villages of North Carolina, to […]